The Maverick - By Jan Hudson Page 0,27
though I was fairly successful, I really wasn’t cut out to be a lawyer. I suppose that because Sunny and I were raised with the Outlaw myth of everybody in the family choosing an occupation in law and law enforcement, we naturally gravitated in that direction.”
“And now you sell chili.”
She laughed. “And now we sell chili.”
“Ever thought of franchising the place? I think Chili Witches would go over great in New York. And Chicago. And Denver.”
“Sunny and I have talked about it, but we’ve never gone beyond the talking stage. We’ve also given some thought to a company that wants to offer a frozen version commercially.”
“Sounds like a great idea,” Griff said. “Who was the man?”
She frowned. “Who wanted to market frozen chili?”
He shook his head. “No, the man in New York.”
“Just another attorney with my firm.” She shrugged. “We were engaged, but that didn’t stop him from throwing me under the bus to score points with the bosses. I trusted him, and he used me.”
“I’m sorry.” Griff looked pained, and she wanted to hug him for his sensitivity. “What did he do?”
She signed. “I really don’t want to talk about it. I’d much rather have dessert. What looks good to you?”
He grinned, cocked an eyebrow and stared across the table at her.
Cass returned his grin with a cheeky one of her own. “Besides that?”
They decided on coffee outside on the patio, and had their dessert boxed up to take home. When they were the only two left outside under the stars and full moon, the waiter removed their cups, and they strolled through the garden.
Cass breathed in the lovely fragrance of geraniums and roses mixed with herbs. “Isn’t it wonderful out here?” she asked.
He nodded. “I really like Austin.”
“Because of the great food?”
He took her in his arms and kissed her. “That, too. I can hardly wait for dessert.”
Chapter Eleven
On the way back to town, they debated about going to Cass’s apartment or to Griff’s hotel. “I vote for your hotel,” she said. “That way I don’t run the risk of your running into my relatives on your way out.”
Griff chuckled. “And you’re how old?”
“Don’t hand me that, smart guy. Would you have a woman over if you knew your mother was dropping by for breakfast?”
“Point taken. My mother is a bit old-fashioned.”
“And despite the circumstances of Sunny’s and my birth—or maybe because of it—so is mine. She likes to think Sunny and I are still virgins.”
He laughed. “But I thought you told me Sunny’s been married.”
“So?”
“My hotel it is. Have you told your mom about meeting the Outlaws yet?”
“Not yet. Sunny and I are trying to think of the best way to break it gently.”
“Better hurry or they’ll find out some other way.”
“Tell me about it,” Cass said. “I’ve learned that secrets have a way of jumping up and biting you on the butt. We’ll probably tell them tomorrow. Maybe casually over lunch. Mom is less likely to blow a fuse if we’re in a public place.”
“Does this mean you’re not having lunch with me?”
“Sorry. We have a lot to take care of tomorrow. Business. We’re reopening on Monday. But if you’re not busy on Sunday afternoon, I have an idea of a fun thing to do.”
“Does it involve a lot of family?”
“Nope. Let’s let it be a surprise.”
“Give me a hint,” he said.
“Do you like bats?”
“Baseball bats?”
“Nope. The critters.”
“Like Count Dracula?”
“Not vampire bloodsuckers. The little insect-eating kind, and I’m not telling you any more.”
“Come on. Now I’m intrigued.”
“Good. I like being a woman of mystery.”
When they pulled up to the hotel valet, Cass exited with her big purse, which she’d stowed in the backseat.
“That’s the biggest purse I’ve ever seen you carry,” Griff said as he held open the glass door.
“It’s the longest one I have that doesn’t look like an overnight bag. I have my jogging gear in here.”
“Ahh. You planned ahead.”
She winked. “I was a Girl Scout.”
He laughed. “You make me laugh more than any woman I’ve ever known. I love that about you.”
Her heart gave a little flutter, but she ignored it. She wasn’t out for any serious declarations of any shape or form. Griff was fun. Here today, gone tomorrow. Or next week. Or the next.
In the elevator they could barely keep their hands off each other, and once they were in his room, they didn’t even try. The chemistry between them was explosive.
They left a trail of clothes to the bedroom, and by the time they fell in bed together, the only